It all started by wagon train in 1871, when Jim Gates' people first came to Nevada County to make their home here. Born slightly later than 1871 with boots on his feet and a lariat in his hand, Jim's been ranching all his life.
Concerned about the integrity of our local food supply, Jim founded Nevada County Free Range Beef (NCFRB) in 2004. He started out with 12 cows handpicked from his commercial herd, and in two years' time expanded the NCFRB herd to 100, ranging across the pastures of neighbors Bill and Anna Trabucco. That same year BriarPatch Co-op Community Market came on board as a retail distributor.

Today, the Nevada County Free Range Beef herd stands at over 120 Shorthorn, Red Angus, and White Park mother cows. Jim personally oversees more than 32 separate parcels of land comprising a total of 2,240 acres. His profound knowledge of genetics, feed conditions, and gentle handling techniques ensure that only the best, most nutritious beef reaches your table. No growth hormones or antibiotics have ever been or will ever be used, and all pasture land is naturally fertilized and managed, without pre-emergents, pesticides, or petrochemicals.